There will be a variety of safe and exciting outdoor activities involving a mix of land-based, water-based and climbing activities. During expeditions, you will plan and travel with your group (called a watch) and take on different roles to overcome obstacles and achieve various goals along the way. These activities are designed for you to gain life skills and values such as compassion, teamwork and a positive “can-do” spirit to achieve more in your daily lives.
Water activities are a component of the programme. Our instructors strictly supervise all water activities and take a progressive approach to ensure that you are confident before you engage in the activities. It would be advantageous if you are able to swim, but do not worry if you are unable to. It is made compulsory for all participants to wear personal flotation devices (PFDs) for all water activities. All instructors are certified in water-safety and lifesaving skills. You will also receive thorough briefing and instructions on the safety procedures before the start of the activities.
You will live and work with a watch of up to 16 people and stay in non-air-conditioned dormitories and/or tents, depending on the programme. There will be no internet access and limited power points in the dormitories. This is because the set-up of our dormitories reflects the “back-to-basics” concept.
Activities are mainly outdoors and conducted in all weather conditions, and do expect certain levels of sun and rain exposure in our tropical climate. Depending on your programme, you may be required to set-up tents, prepare your own meals and sleep outdoors in tents. The experience is expected to be physically and mentally challenging but you will find yourself in a supportive environment.
You do not need to be “athletically-gifted” for the programme. Although Outward Bound® programmes are meant to be physically and mentally challenging, you do not have to be athletic or have any prior outdoor experience to participate. For a better OBS experience, prior physical conditioning will be recommended to help you get used to physically challenging activities.
Our programmes are designed for everyone who are able-bodied and certified fit by a physician. What is more important would be to have a positive attitude, a willingness to try, and a commitment to work together during the programme.You will be considered for admission to our programmes when you have been certified fit by a physician. All medical conditions are subjected to an evaluation by our Medical Services and Training team.
There could be certain medical conditions which may affect safe participation. You will be advised on your level of participation, depending on the nature and severity of your medical condition. The instructors will be informed to take special note on the management during the programme, if necessary.The safety measures put in place would include providing appropriate instructor to student ratio (1 instructor to 12-14 students) and having a robust safety monitoring system and evacuation plan for emergencies.
Activities are carefully designed and constantly supervised by our qualified and experienced instructors who have undergone rigorous training, and skills & safety certification.
OBS adopts a strict adherence to safe distancing and safe management measures for the conduct and participation of outdoor activities in accordance to the prevailing Covid-19 situation and guidelines from national governing and advisory bodies. Some examples are:
No, students will be kept strictly within their school cohorts. A set of Safe Management Measures are in place for the non-residential 2021 MOE-OBS Challenge Programme to ensure separation of schools and classes across OBS campuses, one example of which is the implementation of staggered in-processing/out-processing.
As part of the SG United message of ‘Let’s Brave the New’, Singaporeans are encouraged to stay strong together. Outdoor Adventure Learning (OAL) experiences provide opportunities where students learn to navigate and “brave the new” together. During this period, some of the key objectives of the MOE-OBS Challenge Programme remain relevant.
Through the 2021 MOE-OBS Challenge Programme, students build camaraderie through OAL experiences where they work together in unfamiliar yet authentic situations. This sense of togetherness is even more important during these times, to alleviate the isolation that some students may be feeling and to enhance students’ overall health and well-being.
2. Concerned Citizen
Through the Programme, Secondary 3 students will learn to:All participants who have completed an OBS programme are automatically part of the OBS Alumni. There is no annual membership fee. You may opt whether to receive news and updates by joining either/all of the following:
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